Fury erupted today after council chiefs agreed to push ahead with a controversial scheme and close libraries across Newcastle.

Fury erupted today after council chiefs agreed to push ahead with a controversial scheme and close libraries across Newcastle.

As revealed in last night's Chronicle, the city council is set to approve a shake-up which would see Montagu, Scotswood, Walkerville and Dinnington libraries close.

Today local residents and councillors joined forces to voice their fury at the proposals, which look likely to go through at a cabinet meeting next Wednesday.

Although Dinnington has won a two-year reprieve from the axe, plans to shut the other libraries within months has sparked anger.

Walkerville resident John Hipkin said shutting the libraries amounted to `vandalism' and says access to books for everyone was crucial.

Mr Hipkin, 77, said: "I think shutting the library is an act of vandalism. The council are pushing the line it's best value, but you shouldn't apply best value to things like libraries or hospitals or schools. I think they have some temerity putting in for Capital of Culture when they are shutting libraries.

"My wife walks with a stick and she can't travel to Byker Library. Part of my council tax is allocated to libraries and I'm strongly tempted to withhold that part of my council tax if it shuts."

The Chronicle revealed last night how the shake-up leading to the closure of four branch libraries is about to be approved by the council.

Following protests by Dinnington villagers, their branch library has won a reprieve.

Officials are recommending that its closure is delayed until the end of June 2005 because of "special circumstances" in Dinnington, including the distance to the next nearest library.

The other three branches are scheduled to close in September and members of the council's cabinet will be asked to approve the proposals at the Cabinet meeting.

Tory Jon Jo Macnamara, who stood in the Kenton ward at the last election and is chairman of Newcastle Conservatives and Kenton Conservatives, blasted the move to shut Montagu Library.

Mr Macnamara said: "Montagu Library is used by a lot of elderly people and it is not right they should have to travel to another library to get books out."

Liberal Democrat councillor David Down, who represents Castle ward, which covers Dinnington, said he was pleased his local library had been saved for two years.

Coun Down said: "I hope and expect that this continuing opening of the library will allow us to continue to establish the need for renewal of the library and the expansion of community facilities.

"Now we will be working to build a new library and medical surgery on the same site in Dinnington."

The council says consultations reveal people would like more convenient opening times, a better range of books and improved access to buildings.

Coun Keith Taylor, cabinet member for lifelong learning and training, said: "However, the use of some of our libraries has declined to such a level that they're no longer viable.

"The Newcastle Libraries & Information Service was given a one-star rating in a 2001 Best Value Review so we've had to explore radical options to lift library standards across the city."